Foldable mop with precompressed scrubbing element and method of assembly



m g, 1956 w. H. RICHARDS ET AL 2,757,398 FOLDABLE MOP WITH PRECOMPRESSEDSCRUBBING ELEMENT AND METHOD 0 F ASSEMBLY s sheets-sheet 1 Filed May 29,1955 H. RICHARDS ETAL 2,757,398 FOLDABLE MOP WITH PRECOMPRESSEDSCRUBBING Filed May 29, 1953 ELEMENT AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY 3Sheets-Sheet 22 INVENTORS ATTORNEY H. FOLDABLE MOP WI RICHARDS ETAL2,757,398 TH FEE-COMPRESSED SCRUBBING ELEMENT AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLYFiled May 29, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTORS B (am/40m ATTUF/VD.

United States Patent FOLDABLE MOI WITH PRECOWRESSED SCRUB BING ELEMENTAND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY William H. Richards and William F. Richards,Rehoboth, Del.

Application May 29, 1953, Serial No. 358,302

6 Claims. (Cl. 15-4 19) Our invention relates to scrub mops.

The present invention is an improvement on the mop disclosed in ourcopending application Serial No. 282,367, filed April 15, 1952, nowPatent No. 2,670,488, granted March 2, 1954, and a primary object of thepresent invention is to provide a foldable scrubbing mop having means toeffect the folding of the compressible scrubbing element, in order topress or squeeze water from the same.

A further important object of the invention is to provide in a mop ofthe above-mentioned character a readily replaceable sponge scrubbing pador refill assembly.

A further object is to provide in a mop of the abovementioned charactera sponge scrubbing element or pad which is moistened and precompressedin assembly, in order to lessen the strain on the fibers of the spongepad caused by subsequent shrinkage when the pad dries, the arrangementalso aiding the sponge pad in remaining flat during the normal use ofthe mop, while the pad is wet.

A further object is to provide a scrub mop having a handle assemblywhich is readily adjustable so that the handle may extend longitudinallyor transversely of the sponge scrubbing element, and be securely lockedin. the selected adjusted position.

A still further object is to provide an extremely strong handleconnection in a mop of the above-mentioned character, so that too muchstrain will not be placed upon the means for regulating the angularadjustment or inclination of the handle.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a scrub mop of theabove-mentioned character which is simplified in construction, sturdyand durable, and reliable in operation.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and inwhich like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout thesame,

Figure l is a perspective view of a scrub mop embodying our invention,part broken away,

Figure 2 is a fragmentary front elevation of the same,

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of the mop,

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the mop,

Figure 5 is a fragmentary plan view of the mop showing a wringer meansin different adjusted positions relative to the mophead,

Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevation of the mop in the fully foldedor compressed position,

Figure 7 is a fragmentary front elevation of the mop in the fully foldedor compressed position,

Figure 8 is a perspective view, partly exploded, and

showing the mop handle adjusted to extend longitudinally of the mophead,

Figure 9 is a fragmentary front elevation, partly diagrammatic,illustrating the relative distances between hinge knuckles of themophead plate sections and adapter 70 plate before the sponge element orpad is precompres'sed longitudinally in assembly,

P ICC Figure 10 is a plan view of a scrub mop embodying a modificationof the invention, parts broken away,

Figure 11 is a fragmentary side elevation of the mop illustrated inFigure 10 when fully folded or compressed,

Figure 12 is a transverse vertical section on line 12-12 of Figure 10,parts omitted,

Figure 13 is a vertical section on line 13-13 of Figure 10, and,

Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a sponge refill assemblyand associated elements.

In the drawings, Where for the purpose of illustration are shownpreferred embodiments of our invention, attention is directed first toFigures 1 to 9 inclusive, wherein the numeral designates separateheadplate sections formed of sheet metal, or the like. The headplatesections 20 are generally flat and rectangular, as shown, and are rolledupwardly at their inner ends to form pairs of axially spaced hingeknuckles 21, integral therewith. The headplate sections 20 include shortdownturned extensions or flanges 22 at their longitudinal edges, andlikewise formed integral with the headplate sections. The headplatesections 20 have their respective hinge knuckles 21 spaced apartlongitudinally of the mophead, in assembly, as shown in Figure 2.

An intermediate adapter member or plate 23 is provided, and this adapterplate has a substantially flat central body portion 24, extendingtransversely of the mophead, in assembly, and located between the pairsof hinge knuckles 21, Figure 4. The central body portion 24 is formed orrolled at its marginal edges to provide a pair of spaced paralleldepending hinge knuckles 25, which interfit with the pairs of hingeknuckles 21 in assembly. Hinge pins 26 engage slidably through theinterfitting hinge knuckles 21 and 25, and serve to hingedly connect theheadplate sections 29 with the intermediate adapter plate 23, the endsof the hinge pins 26 being peened over in assembly to secure them inplace.

The intermediate adapter plate 23 further comprises end extensions 27and 28, integral. with the central portion 24 and arranged at rightangles thereto and extending laterally outwardly of the hinge knuckles25. The extensions 27 and 28 extend longitudinally of the headplatesections 20 in assembly, and the width of the intermediate adapter plate23 between the extensions 27 and 28 is preferably substantially equal tothe widths of the headplate sections 20, as shown. The ends of theadapter plate extensions 27 and 28 are downturned to form substantiallyvertical feet or stop extensions 29 and 30, integral therewith. The stopextensions 30 converge toward the forward side of the mophead, as shown,for a purpose to be described. The stop extensions 29 and 30 are adaptedto engage the tops of the headplate sections 20 substantial distanceslaterally outwardly of the interfitting hinge knuckles 21 and 25, tolimit the upward swinging movement of the headplate sections 20, so thatthe headplate sections will never pass above the horizontal during theoperation of the mop. The stop extensions 29 and 30 and the interfittinghinge knuckles maintain the body portion of the intermediate adapterplate 23 spaced above the headplate sections 20, as shown.

We provide an adjustable handle assembly including a generally fiathandle mounting plate 31 having a central opening 32 formed therein.

An upstanding vertical screw-threaded stud 33 is rigidly secured to thecentral portion 24 of the intermediate adapter plate 23, and pivota'llyengages through the opendepending locking extensions 36, integraltherewith and being approximately of the same vertical length as thedepending stop extensions 29 and 30. The distance from the opening 32 tothe locking extensions 36 is such, that the depending locking extensionsmay engage either the rear edge of the intermediate adapter plate 23 orthe outer sides of the depending stop extensions 29, to releasably lockthe handle mounting plate 31 in positions, wherein the handle mountingplate extends longitudinally or transversely of the mophead. To effectthis pivotal adjustment of the handle mounting plate 31, the wing nut 35is loosened and elevated somewhat to permit the lower ends of thelocking extensions 36 to pass above the top surface of the intermediateadapter plate 23, so that the locking extensions 36 may be shifted intoengagement with either the rear edge of the intermediate adapter plateor the depending stop extensions 29.

"An elongated mop handle 37 is provided, and provided at its lower endwith a handle attachment plate 38, rigidly anchored within the slot 39in the lower end of the handle '37, by a screw 40 or the like. The lowerend of the attachment plate 38 is formed to provide a pair of spacedaligned hinge knuckles 41, integral therewith, and adapted to interfitwith a central upwardly offset hinge knuckle 42, formed upon the handlemounting plate 31, between the locking extensions 36, and spacedsomewhat forwardly thereof.

A pivoted wringer handle or bail 43 of stiff wire or the like isprovided, and this wringer handle comprises a pair of elongated straightupwardly converging arms or sides 43', preferably integrally connectedat their lower ends by a transverse portion or shaft 44. The shaft 44engages pivotal ly through the interfitting hinge knuckles 41 and 42,and serves to hingedly connect the mop handle 37 and the handle mountingplate 31, as shown. In practice, the hinge knuckles 41 and 42 are rolledor closed about the shaft 44, after the shaft is brought into engagementwith the partially formed hinge knuckles 41 and 42. The arms 43' areformed at their upper ends to provide a substantially U-shaped springloop or clip 45, adapted to snap over the forward side of the mop handle37, for releasably securing the wringer handle 43 in the inoperative orstowed position shown in Figure l. A pair of conically tapered rollers46 are freely journaled upon the arms 43' near their lower ends, andthese rollers cannot move longitudinally of the arms 43', because theportions of the arms having the rollers 46 mounted thereon are arrangedat slight angles to the portions of the arms directly above and belowthe rollers, as shown in the drawings.

Means are provided to facilitate raising and lowering the mop handle 37,relative to the mophead and releasably locking the same in selected.adjusted positions. This ward end of the handle mounting plate 31. Theupper ends of the arms 47 are bent to form a pair of substantiallyclosed eyes or loops 50, integral therewith and a relatively shorttransverse locking bar or detent 51, which extends transversely acrossthe forward side of the mop handle, and is selectively engageable withinlocking notches 52 formed in the forward side of the mop handle 37 nearits lower end. A retractile coil spring 53 surrounds the rear side ofthe mop handle 37 and has its ends secured at 54 to the loops 50. Thespring 53 serves to resiliently hold the locking bar 51 within aselected one of the notches 52, as shown. When the locking bar 51 is inthe lowermost notch 52, the mop handle 37 is substantially horizontaland close to the headplate sections 20, and when in the uppermost notch52, the mop handle is in the generally vertical inclined position shownin Figure 1. Obviously, a greater number of the notches 52 may beprovided, so that the mop handle 37 may be releasably held in otherangularly adjusted positions between the true vertical and horizontal.

An elongated relatively thick rectangular scrubbing element or pad 55'of cellulosic sponge or like compressible material is provided. As bestshown in Figure 9, the sponge pad 55 has its top face cemented to thelower faces of the headplate sections 29 by suitable waterproof cement56. As shown in Figure 9, the cement 56 extends from the outer ends ofthe headplate sections 20 to points 57 near the longitudinal centers ofthe headplate sections, and the entire central portion of the sponge pad55 between the points 57 is free from connection with the headplatesections 20. The length of the sponge pad 55 is such that with theheadplate sections 20 cemented to it, in the manner shown, and prior toassembling the headplate sections to the intermediate adapter plate 23,the hinge knuckles 21 of the headplate sections are spaced apart asubstantial distance further than the distance between the hingeknuckles 25 with which they are to interfit. When the mop is beingassembled, the sponge pad 55, while in the free or untensioned positionof Figure 9, is soaked in Water, and allowed to become soft and pliable.The headplate sections 20 are then shifted together longitudinally,until the hinge knuckles 21 become axially aligned with. the hingeknuckles 25, and then the hinge pins 26 are forced through theinterfitting knuckles 21 and 25. This operation has the efiect ofprecompressing the central portion of the sponge pad 55 longitudinally,in the region between the points 57 and between the hinge knuckles 21.After the hinge pins 26 have been forced into place, and the mophead isassembled, the sponge pad 55 becomes dry, as indeed it will every timethe mop is used wet and subsequently allowed to dry. The cellulosicsponge pad when drying is subject to substantial shrinkage, and becomesquite stiff and hard. Where this material is cemented or otherwiseattached over its entire area to a mop headplate, or the like, it willfrequently tear itself loose from the headplate, bend or distort theheadplate, or even destroy itself to some extent, upon shrinking, by theripping apart of its internal fibers. With our arrangement ofprecompressing the central portion of the sponge pad 55, theseobjectionable results due to shrinkage of the sponge pad 55 duringdrying are eliminated, and since the internal cells of the cellulosicsponge pad are precompressed or compacted, shrinkage can occur to thenecessary extent without damaging the headplate sections 20 or thesponge pad 55. Another advantage of our arrangement is that when thesponge pad 55 is wet, during the normal use of the mop, it tends toexpand, and this tendency is magnified in the central portion of the padbetween the points 57, which is precompressed. When the expansion of thepad 55 thus occurs, the effect will be to force the hinged headplatesections 20 toward their open horizontal positions shown in Figures 1and 9, and this is desirable during the operation of the mop, when it isdesired to have the pad 55 remain flat and horizontal. As shown in thedrawings, the depending flanges 22 of the headplates 20 extenddownwardly for short distances over the longitudinal edges of the spongepad 55, and if desired, these flanges may be cemented to the sides ofthe pad 55 between the points 57 and the outer ends of the flanges 22.

During the use of our mop, the mop handle 37 may be raised and loweredand releasably held in the selected adjusted position by means of thelocking bail, including the locking bar 51, notches 52 and associatedeletensions 36 engaging either the rear edge of the adapter plate 23 orits depending stop extensions 29, to releasably lock the mop handle inthe selected pivotally adjusted position.

When it is desired to fold or squeeze the wet sponge pad 55 to expelwater from the same, the pivoted handle 43 is disengaged from the mophandle 37 and swung forwardly about the axis of the shaft 44, as shownin Figure 5, until the tapered rollers 46 engage the tops of theheadplate sections 20. The necessary clearance for the tapered rollers46 in the position shown in Figure is afforded by the forwardconvergence of the stop extensions and the forwardly converging edges ofthe handle mounting plate 31, shown clearly in the drawings. Furtherforward and downward swinging of the handle 43 causes the taperedrollers 46 to beg-in closing or folding the headplate sections 20together, for folding and compressing the sponge pad 55 between them.The

tapered rollers 46 sweep across the headplate sections 20 from theirforward inner corners, Figure 5, to their rear outer corners, Figure .6.When the rollers 46 reach approximately their positions shown in Figure6, the headplate sections 20 assume opposed substantially parallelpositions, Figure 7, and the sponge pad 55 is tightly squeezed orcompressed between them in the manner shown for expelling the water fromthe pad. The handle 43 is now swung back to the position shown in Figure1, wherein the clip engages the mop handle 37, and the pad will tend tospring the headplate sections .20 back toward their extended horizontalpositions shown in Figure 1.

Since the mop handle 37 and wringer handle 43 have a common pivot axisabout the shaft 44, the above de scribed squeezing or wringing operationmay be performed regardless of the degree of inclination of the handle37, as controlled by the locking bar 51, it being only necessary thatthe handle 37 extend transversely of the mophead at the time.

An additional important feature of the invention which should bementioned is the fact that the hinge knuckles 41 and 42 and shaft 44 inassembly are spaced somewhat forwardly of the rear side of the mophead,as shown clearly in Figures 3 and 6. With this arrangement, when the mophandle 37 is lowered to the horizontal position shown in Figure 6, thebottom of the handle engages directly upon the top of the intermediateadapter plate 23, which serves as a stop to limit the downward swingingmovement of the mop handle. This arrangement relieves the locking bar 51and associated elements of excessive strain, to which they would besubjected if the handle 37, in the horizontal position did notpositively engage the top of the intermediate adapter plate 23.

In Figures 10 to 14 inclusive, we have shown a modification of theinvention, wherein a replaceable sponge refill assembly 58 is provided.The sponge refill assembly 53 comprises a rectangular compressible pad59 of cellulosic sponge, or the like, which may be identical with thepad 55. A pair of flat rectangular adapter plates are permanentlycemented with waterproof cement to the top face of the sponge pad 59,and cover substantially the same areas of the sponge pad as the cement56 in the first form of the invention, the central portion of the pad 59between the plates 60 being free of cement. The adapter plates 60 areprovided near their outer rear corners with upstanding screw-threadedstuds 61, permanently rigidly secured thereto by welding, soldering orthe like, and a pair of screw-threaded apertures 62 are formed in theadapter plates 60 near their inner rear corners and outer forwardcorners, as shown. Headplate sections 63 substantially identical withthe headplate sections 20 are provided, and these have apertures 64formed therein near their corners overlying the apertures 62 and studs61, for registration therewith.

In assembly, the adapter plates 60 are first cemented to the sponge pad59, and the headplate sections 63 are placed upon the adapter plates 60,the studs 61 engaging upwardly through the apertures 64 near the 6 rearouter corners of the headplate sections. Short downwardly directedscrews 65 have screw-threaded engagement within the openings 62 of theadapter plates 60, and extend through the other openings 64 of theheadplate sections 63, with their heads preferably arranged flush withthe top faces of the headplate sections, as shown. The sponge pad 59 isnow precompressed longitudinally, in the same manner previouslydescribed in connection with the first form of the invention, andillustrated diagrammatically in Figure 9, and the hinge pins 26 aredriven into place for pivotally connecting the headplate sections 63with the intermediate adapter plate 23. Washers 66 and wing nuts 67engage the tops of the studs 61, above the headplate sections 63 asshown in the drawings, and these elements form stops for the taperedrollers 46, Figure 11, when the rollers are swung to their positions forcompletely folding the headplate sections 63 together and squeezing thesponge pad 59. With this arrangement, there is no danger of the rollers64 rolling entirely off of the headplate sections 63, during thesqueezing operation, and when the rollers 46 contact the wing nuts 67,the operator knows that the pad 59 is completely compressed or squeezed,and may return the handle 43 to the stowed position of Figure 1. Allother parts of the mop are identical in construction and operation withthe corresponding parts shown and described in connection with the firstform of the invention.

When the sponge pad 59 becomes worn or otherwise damaged, it may bequickly replaced with a new pad, by merely removing the nuts 67 andscrews 65, which permits removal of the pad 59 and adapter plates 60.

It is to be understood that the forms of our invention, herewith shownand described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, andthat various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may beresorted to, without departing from the spirit of our invention or scopeof the subjoined claims.

We claim:

1. A mop device comprising a pair of headplate sections, an absorbentcompressible pad secured to corresponding sides of the headplatesections and foldable between the headplate sections for having watersqueezed out of the same, an adapter member hingedly connected with theheadplate sections and permitting them to swing to opposed substantiallyparallel positions and engaging the headplate sections when the sameextend in substantially the same plane and limiting their swingingmovement in one direction, a handle mounting plate detachably connectedwith said adapter member and including a depending part engageable withsides of the adapter member for locking the handle mounting plate inselected adjusted positions relative to said adapter member, a mophandle, a movable mop squeezing device including a pair of arms, commonhinge means connecting the mop handle and mop squeezing device with saidhandle mounting plate, and rollers journaled upon said arms of the mopsqueezing device and engageable with corresponding sides of theheadplate sections when the mop squeezing device is swung in onedirection about said common hinge means.

2. A mop device comprising a pair of headplate sections, a compressiblescrubbing pad secured to corresponding sides of the headplate sectionsand foldable therebetween for squeezing water from the same, anintermediate adapter plate hingedly connected with the headplatesections. and engaging the same substantial distances outwardly of theirinner ends to limit swinging movement of the headplate sections in onedirection, a handle mounting plate detachably mounted upon said adapterplate and including a depending part engageable with sides of theadapter plate for releasably locking the handle mounting plate inselected adjusted positions relative to the adapter plate, hinge formingmeans secured to the handle mount ing plate and spaced forwardly of itsrear end and forwardly of the corresponding rear end of the intermediateadapter plate, an angularly adjustable mop handle secured to said hingeforming means and adapted to be raised and lowered by swinging thehandle about thehingeforming means, means connected with the mop handleto releasably hold the same in selected angularly adjusted posiextendsubstantially longitudinally of the mop handle,

and a resilient clip device carried by the arms and engageable with themop handle for releasably securing the mop squeezing device thereto in astowed position, the mop handle being engageable with the rear portionof said intermediate adapter plate when in a lowered substantiallyhorizontal position, the intermediate adapter plate then forming apositive stop for the mop handle.

3. A scrub mop comprising a pair of headplate sections, an absorbentcompressible pad secured to corresponding faces of the headplatesections and adapted to be folded and compressed between the headplatesections for squeezing water from the pad, an adapted member providedwith horizontal hinge means connecting the headplate sections so thatthey may swing to opposed generally parallel positions and may extend insubstantially the same plane, a handle mounting member secured to saidadapter memher, a mop handle, a movable mop squeezing device including apair of arms, hinge means forming a common hinged connection betweensaid mop handle, movable mop squeezing device and handle mountingmember, means for securing the mop handle in various adjusted positions,rollers journaled upon said arms of the mop squeezing device andswingable forwardly of the mop handle into engagement with the tops ofthe headplate sections in all adjusted positions of the mop handle, andmeans forming a detachable connection between the mop handle and saidarms of the mop squeezing device, so that the mop squeezing device mayswing with the mop handle about said common hinged connection to alladjusted positions of the mop handle.

4. A method of assembling a mop comprising securing a pair of head platesections having opposed hinge parts to an elongated section ofcellulosic sponge while the sponge is dry so that the hinge parts arespaced apart a predetermined distance, wetting the section of cellulosicsponge so that it is rendered soft and pliable, compressing the spongesection longitudinally for shifting said hinge parts closer together andthereby aligning them with companion hinge parts of a member with whichthey are to be connected, and inserting hinge pins through the companionhinge parts of the head plate sections and said member for hingedlysecuring the head plate sections to the member while the section ofsponge is compressed, whereby subsequent drying of the section of spongeand its resultantshrinkage will have no deleterious effect upon the mop.

5. A method of assembling a mop comprising applying adhesive between theouter ends only of a pair of head plate sections having opposed hingeparts and the ends of an elongated section of cellulose sponge while thesponge is dry, so that the hinge parts are spaced apart longitudinally apredetermined distance, wetting the section of cellulose sponge so thatit is rendered soft and pliable, compressing the sponge sectionlongitudinally for shifting said hinge parts closer together and therebyaligning them with companion hinge parts of a member with which they areto be connected, and inserting hinge pins through the companion hingeparts of the head plate sections and said member for hingedly securingthe head plate sections to the member while the section of sponge iscompressed, whereby subsequent drying of the sponge section and itsresultant shrinkage will have no deleterious effect upon the mop.

6. A scrub mop comprising a pad of absorbent compressible material whichis subject to substantial shrinkage when dry but soft and pliable whenwet, a pair of separate head plate sections each having a portionsecured to one side of the pad in spaced relation and provided at theirinner ends with hinge parts, an adapter plate having hinge parts on itsouter ends pivotally connected with the hinge parts of the head platesections, the central portion of the pad between the secured portions ofthe head plate sections being longitudinally compressed, whereby wettingof the pad will create additional expansibility therein so as to aid inswinging the sections outwardly into alignment, a mop handle connectedwith the adapter plate, and movable mop-squeezing means associated withthe mop handle and shiftable into engagement with the headplate sectionsfor swinging the same into opposed relation with the pad foldedtherebetween.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,637,059 Vosbikian et al. May 5, 1953 2,643,407 Vosbikian et al June30, 1953 2,706,303 Ours Apr. 19, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 504,132 BelgiumOct. 24, 1952

